Erntefest Terenten - 's Terner Schmelzpfandl

The harvest festival in the "sun village" of the Puster Valley

Every year on Ferragosto (August 15th), the municipality of Terento/Terenten (Autonomous Province of Bolzano, Trentino-South Tyrol) celebrates the Erntefest, the harvest festival that serves as the most iconic moment of the 's Terner Schmelzpfandl event cycle. Terento is known as the Sonnendorf und Kornkammer des Pustertals, the "sun village and granary of the Puster Valley": a nickname that perfectly explains why grain cultivation has become such a core part of its identity and tradition.

Harvesting grain like in the old days

The heart of the event is the traditional harvest, which takes place from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the Kirchacker, the field surrounding the church in the village center. Once the stalks are ripe, farmers and visitors head into the field to:

• cut the grain with a sickle, following the traditional farming technique;
• tie the stalks into sheaves;
• stand up the Kornmandlan (the characteristic "grain men") to dry in the sun.

Visitors are not just spectators: they are invited to test their skills and participate directly in the field work, a rare and engaging experience for both adults and children.

Antique tools, flavors, and farming culture

Beyond the harvest, the Erntefest showcases the region's agricultural heritage: vintage threshing machines, windmills, and historical tools, along with an information booth on various types of cereals. Local gastronomy is also a highlight, featuring the traditional South Tyrolean "Neinern" snack, typical dishes, music, and entertainment that accompany the festivities throughout the day.

A cycle that tells the story of the farming year

The Erntefest is one of the key stages of the 's Terner Schmelzpfandl project, which marks the entire agricultural year in Terenten: from spring sowing to the Mühlenfest (mill festival), from the harvest festival to the Almabtrieb (autumn cattle drive) and the Terner Bauernkuchl week, dedicated to traditional farmhouse cooking. It is a journey that allows visitors to the Puster Valley to discover the rural culture of South Tyrol, event after event.